Youth leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Cross River State have called on Governor Bassey Otu to urgently intervene in the growing internal crisis threatening the unity of the party in the Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The appeal was made during a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Akamkpa/Biase Youth Movement in Calabar on Wednesday, where concerned youths and party loyalists expressed fears that the lingering division within the constituency could weaken the party’s structure and electoral strength if immediate reconciliation efforts were not initiated.
The meeting, attended by youth coordinators, ward representatives, community leaders, and party supporters from various parts of Akamkpa and Biase local government areas, focused on the state of the party and the need to preserve unity ahead of the next political cycle.
The youths also used the occasion to formally endorse the member representing Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Onun Emil Inyang, for a second term in office, citing what they described as his accessibility, grassroots connection, and representation of constituency interests at the National Assembly.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Daniel Enang from Ehom Ward lamented what he described as an unprecedented level of disunity currently affecting the APC within the federal constituency.
According to him, the internal disagreements among party stakeholders and supporters had already started creating anxiety among youths and loyal members who feared the situation could spiral further if not quickly resolved.
Enang stressed that many young people in the constituency remained committed to the ideals and leadership of the APC but warned that continued factional disputes could discourage grassroots mobilisation ahead of future elections.
He appealed directly to Governor Bassey Otu, whom he described as the leader of the party in the state, to personally intervene and facilitate reconciliation among aggrieved stakeholders in the constituency.
The youth leader said the intervention of the governor had become necessary to restore confidence among party faithful and prevent the emergence of deeper cracks capable of affecting the APC’s political fortunes in the area.
He further noted that Akamkpa/Biase remained a strategic constituency for the party in Cross River State and therefore required collective commitment from all stakeholders to sustain unity and political stability.
Participants at the meeting reportedly expressed concern that unresolved disagreements within the party could create opportunities for opposition parties to penetrate the constituency ahead of the 2027 polls.
Several speakers emphasized the importance of dialogue, tolerance, and inclusiveness within party structures, urging leaders at all levels to place the interest of the APC above personal ambitions.
The endorsement of Onun Emil Inyang was one of the major highlights of the gathering, with youth leaders praising his constituency outreach programmes and legislative efforts.
According to the group, the lawmaker had maintained regular engagement with constituents and supported initiatives targeted at empowering young people across communities in the federal constituency.
Some attendees argued that continuity in representation would help consolidate ongoing projects and strengthen the constituency’s voice at the national level.
Political observers in the state believe the latest development reflects growing concerns among grassroots members of the APC over internal cohesion as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
Analysts also note that youth groups are increasingly becoming influential voices in shaping political conversations within parties, especially in constituencies where internal rivalries threaten party stability.
Despite the tension, members of the Akamkpa/Biase Youth Movement maintained that their intervention was motivated by the desire to preserve peace, unity, and electoral success for the APC in the constituency.
The meeting ended with renewed calls for reconciliation, mutual respect among stakeholders, and stronger collaboration between party leaders and young members as preparations for the next general elections continue to gather momentum across the state.
